Fausto Gresini dies aged 60 after battle with Covid

MotoGP Aprilia team boss Fausto Gresini has passed away at the age of 60 following a two-month battle with Covid-19.

The Italian was admitted to hospital over the Christmas period after testing positive for coronavirus where his condition worsened and he was placed into a comatose state.

Following further treatment last month at Bologna’s Ospedale Maggiore Carlo Alberto Pizzardi Hospital, he was brought out of his coma and was making progress until further complications arose.

Gresini suffered a “severe respiratory failure” and he slipped into a second coma due to his worsening condition. While false reports had surfaced on Monday night that he had passed away, his Gresini Racing team confirmed his passing on Tuesday morning in a short statement.

“The news we would have never wanted to give, and that unfortunately we are forced to share with all of you. After nearly two months battling against Covid, Fausto Gresini has sadly passed away, few days after turning 60.

The news we would have never wanted to give, and that unfortunately we are forced to share with all of you. After nearly two months battling against Covid, Fausto Gresini has sadly passed away, few days after turning 60. #CiaoFausto❤️ pic.twitter.com/mHMsDgunmb

— Gresini Racing (@GresiniRacing) February 23, 2021

“All of Gresini Racing are close to Fausto’s family in support: his wife Nadia and the four children Lorenzo, Luca, Alice and Agnese… as well as everyone who had the chance to get to know him and love him throughout the years.”

Gresini was a two-time 125cc world champion in the 1980s in his career as a rider. He secured 47 podiums, 21 wins and 17 pole positions as well as the record for most wins during a single 125cc season with 10 in his 1987 title-winning season.

Following his racing career, he moved into team management and formed his own outfit in 1997. Gresini Racing has taken four championships since its formation, winning the 2001 250cc, 2010 Moto2, 2018 Moto3 and 2019 MotoE titles.

Daijiro Kato dominated the ’01 season for Gresini with 11 race victories to secure the team’s first championship honour. Toni Elias and Jorge Martin brought the outfit back to winning ways in Moto 2 and 3 respectively while Matteo Ferrari secured the maiden MotoE crown in ’19.

In the premier class, Gresini Racing switched from Honda to Aprilia back in 2015 but had announced at the beginning of December that it would end that partnership to become an independent entrant for 2022.